[GGpaX4DumpedTea]

“I hear that, but in a dark house while maybe still shaking off some sleepiness, would a little spread be a good thing?”

Put a light on that shotgun, and maybe a laser. Important you see the target, both for acquisition and for identification (might not be a bad guy). Alternate the slug with 00 and you will get the job done. The laser is an especially good idea for a pistol grip.

And btw, I believe your home defense semi-auto hand gun should have both light and laser. Many already have the mounting rail under the barrel, in front of the trigger.

In low light situations, with either the shotgun or the hand gun, it is essential that you be able to identifiy the target BEFORE you pull the trigger.

[philman_36]

Always leave some lights on. Low watt hall lights, a small lamp in living spaces, kitchen sink or stove lights...whatever.
You have the added advantage that simply having some lights on in the house which are visible from the outside, even with shutters, shades or blinds, may deter a break in.